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Cat Scratch Disease

What is cat scratch disease?

Cat scratches and bites can cause cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. Research suggests a cat may get these bacteria from fleas. The bacteria are passed from an infected cat to a human after the cat licks an open wound or bites or scratches human skin hard enough to break the surface of the skin. Kittens younger than one year of age are more likely to scratch, increasing the likelihood of infection.

What causes cat scratch disease?

Cat scratch disease is caused by a bacterium carried in the cat saliva. The bacteria are passed from an infected cat to a human after the cat licks an open wound or bites or scratches human skin hard enough to break the surface of the skin.

The symptoms of cat scratch disease may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is cat scratch disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a complete history, including a history of being scratched by a cat or kitten, a physical exam, and sometimes blood tests.

How is cat scratch disease treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

How old you are

Your overall health and medical history

How sick you are

How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

How long the condition is expected to last

Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

Antibiotics (to treat the infection)

Caring for the symptoms that result from the infection. In most cases, no antibiotics are needed, and the infection will clear on its own.

What are the complications of cat scratch fever?

Most healthy people don’t have complications from cat scratch fever. However, people whose immune systems are weak (such as those who have HIV/AIDS, are receiving chemotherapy, or have diabetes) can have complications such as:

Bacillary angiomatosis. A skin disorder characterized by red, elevated lesions surrounded by a scaly ring. This condition may become a more widespread disorder that involves internal organs.

Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome. A condition that involves a red, irritated and painful eye similar to conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear on the same side

Can cat scratch disease be prevented?

Avoid being scratched or bitten by cats or kittens. If scratched or bitten, wash the area right away with soap and water. Do not allow cats to lick wounds you may have.